ASPnet in Japan

The Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT) and the Japanese National Commission for UNESCO regard UNESCO Associated Schools as the base for ESD promotion and are making efforts to increase the number of member schools.

Objectives

To share information and experiences with students and teachers of other schools around the world.

To develop and refine educational materials and methods to cultivate young people who are able to deal with various global issues.

Member Schools

There are 1,116 member institutions/schools in Japan (as of October 2018).

Schools

Many member schools practice ESD in the areas of culture, disaster prevention, energy, environment, food, human rights, international understanding and so forth. Some of the courseworks are deeply linked to the local culture and community. The development of these original courseworks is made possible by the efforts of school teachers.

Universities

There are five universities that are members of ASPnet in Japan. Additionally, 22 universities are affiliated with ASPUnivNet (Interuniversity Network Supporting the UNESCO Associated School Project Network). ASPUnivNet was established in 2008 to support ASPnet school members with thier efforts to promote ESD. ASPUnivNet consists of both undergraduate and graduate schools to provide excellent ESD instructional materials and resources. It is expected that closer collaboration between universities and schools will translate into even better curricula for ASPnet member schools.

Private Sectors

Japanese corporations

The Four Basic ASPnet Study Areas

1. Understanding the UN system to address global issues

Conduct activities related to the United Nations or UNESCO's priorities such as poverty, hunger, unemployment, HIV and AIDS, pollution, climate change, illiteracy, cultural identity, gender, child labour and other global issues.This theme will allow students to understand the local, national and international dimensions of issues in an increasingly complex and globalised world and the UN system. It also seeks to make the students aware of the importance of international cooperation in the process of solving these issues.Furthermore, the International Years and Days will provide them with the opportunities to discuss local and global issues.

2. Understanding and promoting human rights and democracy

This theme aims to expand the students' awareness about their own rights, duties and responsibilities (issues related to human rights such as racism, discrimination, democracy, mutual respect, civic responsibility, tolerance and non-violent conflict resolution) as well as those of others, through their own experiences.

3. Cross-cultural understanding

This theme promotes the understanding of different customs, traditions and values while collaborating with students and guardians, citizens, immigrant groups, embassies, and cultural centres of other countries.Societies are becoming increasingly multicultural and multiethnic, and the importance of promoting diversity is also rising. ASPnet teachers and students are working togehter transcending borders, continents, cultures and languages in order to construct a meaningful intercultural dialogue.ASPnet encourages students to explore their own roots and exchange information with students of other countries. Many activities also focus on local situations and advocate "unity in diversity".Exchanging information, constructing partnerships and joint projects among schools and countries are the core of the ASPnet, and are linked to the following objectives.- Deepen the understanding of and respect for other cultures;- Encourage young people to learn about their cultures and cultural backgrounds and reaffirm their identities;

- Raise awareness of the need of international cooperation to take on today's global issues.

4. Environmental education

Study the environmental problems facing the area where the student lives (such as pollution, energy, forest protection, marine and atmospheric research, soil erosion, conservation of natural resources, desertification, greenhouse effect, and sustainable development) and think about ways to solve them and the role of science in humankind’s future.